Vaporisation system

ABSTRACT

A gas powered device includes a vaporisation system. The vaporisation system includes a conduit connected at one end, or configured to connect at one end, to a regulator for a high pressure fluid source. The other end of the conduit supplies an operating mechanism of the device The path of the conduit is such that a substantial length of the conduit is adjacent the operating mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vaporisation system. The invention has particular application to a motion transfer device such as a high pressure impact device.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Pneumatic drive systems are used in a variety of applications, particularly with regard to tools. Traditionally, pneumatic tools have been designed to be connected to a source of compressed air, such as a stationary air compressor.

While air compressors provide an effectively unlimited supply of compressed air, they do have several disadvantages. In particular, the need to connect a tool to the air compressor via a hose limits the portability of the tool and also the positions into which the tool can be manoeuvred. Additionally, air compressors are generally expensive and outside the financial means of some users.

Further, safety issues arise from having the hoses lying around the work place which may become caught on various objects or trip up persons within the space.

In an attempt to address these problems, several different systems have been developed. One such system utilises a combustible gas, such as butane, to provide an explosion that drives the tool's operation. Such combustion systems have safety issues of their own given that the tool usually includes a storage device for combustible gas and a combustion source close to each other. The gas and gas cartridges tend to be expensive and only available from select suppliers. Further, the heat and impact of the combustion tends to be hard wearing on the tools causing them to require frequent maintenance. The electrical components are very susceptible to failure if the tool is exposed to moisture such as rain. all of these factors add additional costs and an element of inconvenience to the user.

More recently, portable pressure sources have been developed by which a vessel containing a pressurised fluid such as carbon dioxide is used as a power source. These systems allow pneumatic tools to be used in a more portable fashion without continual connection to an air compressor.

The mass of fluid stored in the vessel in order to power the tool must be sufficient for a practical number of repetitions. In the case where carbon dioxide is used, this means that at ambient temperature the vessel will contain both liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately 750 psi.

However, the tools operated from these portable pressure sources are designed for a pneumatic setup where the fluid supplied to the operating mechanism of the tool is essentially guaranteed to be gaseous.

As a result, the quantity, of liquid passing from the pressure source to the tool should be minimised. Further, any liquid entering the tool should be vaporised, and maintained in that gaseous state in order to ensure that the fluid does not return to the liquid state.

Previous systems have looked to meet this requirement by maintaining the vertical orientation of the pressure vessel so that liquid carbon dioxide is kept remote from the outlet valve of the vessel. However, if the vessel is rigidly connected to the tool, this restricts the range of orientation of the tool itself. This limits the usefulness of the tool, which may be required to be orientated in a variety of ways in order to be used safely and correctly in the available space. Alternatively, the pressure source may be connected to the tool by way of a flexible hose. However, this inhibits full movement of the tool and presents an additional hazard as it may easily catch on objects.

In either case, it is highly probable that at least some liquid carbon dioxide will pass out of the pressure vessel into the tool.

Previous devices have attempted to account for this by including heat sources using fuel such as butane to heat and vaporise the fluid as it is transferred to the operating mechanism. However, this includes numerous disadvantages by adding to the weight of the gun and increasing costs associated with the heating devices.

In order to prevent reversion of the gaseous fluid to a liquid phase typically requires that the operating pressure in the tool is significantly below that in the portable pressure source. This is intended to aid and maintain the carbon dioxide in the gaseous state over a wide range of ambient operating temperatures. This necessitates some form of pressure regulator between the pressure source and the tool.

One technique used in the prior art is to have the regulator remote from the tool—either at the outlet of the pressure source, or in the flexible line connecting the pressure source to the tool. This retains all of the disadvantages associated with having a remote pressure source. Further, the regulator is often adjustable, which increases the risk of the pressure of fluid supplied to the tool not being matched to the optimal operating pressure of the tool.

An alternative is to have the regulator and pressure source rigidly attached to the tool, which accentuates issues associated with the carry over of liquid carbon dioxide, as previously discussed. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve, the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the invention consists in a gas powered device including a vaporisation system comprising:

-   -   a conduit connected at one end, or configured to connect at one         end, to a regulator for a high pressure fluid source,     -   wherein the other end of the conduit supplies an operating         mechanism of the device,     -   characterised in that     -   the path of the conduit is such that a substantial length of the         conduit is adjacent the operating mechanism.

According to a further aspect, the operating mechanism includes a piston slidable in a piston chamber, and gas supplied through the conduit drives motion of the piston in the piston chamber.

According to a further aspect, the high pressure source comprises a portable container in which pressurised fluid is stored.

According to a further aspect, the high pressure source is a canister configured to store the pressurised fluid above 600 PSI.

According to a further aspect, the regulator produces a differential pressure between the high pressure source and the conduit.

According to a further aspect, the regulator controls the pressure on the conduit side to be below 600 PSI.

According to a further aspect, the conduit is fabricated from thermally conductive material.

According to a further aspect, the conduit is in intimate heat transfer relationship with the operating mechanism and surrounding environment.

According to a further aspect, the conduit is contained within a body of the transfer device and the body is formed of a thermally conductive material.

According to a further aspect, the body of the device is thickest surrounding the operating mechanism.

According to a further aspect, the conduit is substantially encased by or integrated into a body of the motion transfer device adjacent to the operating mechanism.

According to a further aspect, the portion of the conduit adjacent the operating mechanism is longer than the operating mechanism.

According to a further aspect, the length of conduit adjacent the operating mechanism is at least twice the length of the piston chamber.

According to a further aspect, the operating mechanism is contained within a barrel.

According to a further aspect, the barrel includes an extrusion of heat conductive material, and the conduit includes at least a first and second conduit portion, each extending the length of the extrusion.

According to a further aspect, the device includes an end cap for the barrel with a channel in the end cap joining the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion.

According to a further aspect, at least one of the conduit portions has an internal cross section where the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is greater than 16.

According to a further aspect, for at least part of the length of the conduit adjacent the mechanism, the conduit has an internal cross section where the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is greater than 16.

According to a further aspect, the ratio of the square of the perimeter is greater than 18.

According to a further aspect, the high pressure gas source is near one end of the operating mechanism, and the conduit passes along the operating mechanism to the other end and back.

TO those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

The term “comprising” is used in the specification and claims, means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting a statement in this specification and claims that includes “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the vaporisation system of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates the conduit of the vaporisation system of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a nail gun incorporating a vaporisation system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of two components of a nail gun illustrating a preferred implementation of the present invention where the conduit is incorporated in the body of the device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred cross section of the conduit.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a vaporisation system (generally indicated by arrow 1) for use in a nail, gun (not clearly shown) in a preferred embodiment.

The vaporisation System (1) includes a high pressure source (2). The high pressure source (2) contains liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide at approximately 750 psi.

The vaporisation system (1) also includes a regulator (3). The regulator (3) is configured to regulate the pressure of the carbon dioxide flowing from the high pressure source (2) to 450 psi.

The transition in pressure partially vaporises the carbon dioxide.

The vaporisation system (1) includes a conduit (4). The conduit (4) is formed of highly heat conductive material, and is configured to connect to the regulator (3) in order to convey the flow of the carbon dioxide-away from the high pressure source (2).

The nail gun includes an operating mechanism (5). The distal end of die conduit (4) is configured to connect to the operating mechanism (5) in order to supply the pressurised carbon dioxide required to drive the operating mechanism (5).

The nail gun includes a main body (6), surrounding the operating mechanism (5). The main body (6) is formed of material having good heat conductive properties as well as having strength and weight properties conducive to a hand held tool such as the nail gun.

The conduit (4) is positioned such that the substantial length of the conduit (4) is encased by or integrated into the main body (6) adjacent the operating mechanism (5).

Heat absorbed by the main body (6) from the surrounding environment and the operating mechanism (5) is transferred to the conduit (4). The carbon dioxide within the conduit (4) is heated, and complete vaporisation is achieved before supply to the operating mechanism (5).

FIG. 2 illustrates positioning of the substantial length of the conduit (4) in relation to the operating mechanism (5).

The conduit (4) runs alongside the operating mechanism (5), encased by or integrated into the main body (not illustrated), before looping back along the other side of the operating mechanism (5). This means the conduit (4) is exposed to the greatest mass of the main body containing heat. As partially vaporised carbon dioxide flows through the conduit (4) from the high pressure source (not illustrated) in the direction indicated by arrow (7), heat is absorbed. Because the path of the conduit (4) does not cross back through areas of the main body (6) from which heat has already been transferred, efficient use of ambient heat in vaporising the carbon dioxide is achieved.

On entry to the operating mechanism (5) the carbon dioxide is completely vaporised, and of a temperature less likely to cause the nail gun to malfunction or become damaged.

FIG. 3 is useful to illustrate how this vaporisation system works with a preferred arrangement of the nail gun. However the mechanism is applicable to other nail gun embodiments and to tools generally that include a drive piston.

In the nail gun of FIG. 3 gas is supplied from a regulator through CO2 inlet (22). The chamber (21) is maintained charged with gas from the regulator between actuations. No additional valve is required in the inlet path from the regulator to the chamber.

According to a preferred form the fluid path from the regulator to the inlet (22) includes an extended conduit, with a large part of the path of the conduit being adjacent the actuation mechanism of the gun. In particular adjacent the barrel of the gun, outside and around the piston chamber.

The dose chamber (21) is essentially annular around the body of valve (23). Dose chamber (21) may include an annex (40) providing, additional volume. The annex (40) may include an adjustable divider (41) dividing the annex into a primary space (42) and a secondary space (43). Movement of the divider (41) increases the size of one of the spaces at the expense of the other.

The gun includes a triggering and reset mechanism. Triggering is driven by releasing a compressed spring to drive the dose valve hammer onto the dose valve. Reset, including returning the triggering spring to the compressed condition, is driven by the last available expansion of the charge of gas.

The triggering and reset mechanism includes a reset piston (50) sliding in a bore (51) adjacent the piston chamber bore (49). The reset bore and the piston chamber bore are connected by fluid ports at a first position adjacent the forward end and a second position spaced from the forward end. The transfer ports (62) at the second position are covered by a valve member so that gases can only flow from the piston chamber to the bore (51). In the preferred form the bore (51) is an annular chamber surrounding the piston chamber. In this arrangement the reset piston (50) is an annular ring, and the valve member for covering the second ports may be an elastomeric o-ring (64).

A spring (52) is located between the reset piston and the rear end wall (53) of the bore (51). A trigger arrangement includes a tang (58) that extends into the bore (51) and engages the reset piston (50) in a cocked position. In this position the spring (52) is compressed between the reset piston (50) and the wall (53). Depressing the trigger moves the tang to release the reset piston (50). The spring (52) accelerates the piston (50) in a forward direction down bore (51).

A connecting member (55), (which may be in the form of a rod) extends rearward from the reset piston (50). The connecting member extends through a port in the end wall (53) of the bore (51) and connects to dose valve hammer (31).

When the reset piston (50) accelerates forward along the bore (51) the connected dose valve hammer (31) accelerates toward the impact point (33) of valve (23). The hammer (31) passes opening (32) and impacts the valve (23). Upon impact, the momentum of the hammer (31) depresses valve (23), releasing high pressure gas from the dose chamber (21) into the piston chamber. This high pressure gas drives the piston head forward along the piston chamber.

The valve spring (26) returns the valve to the closed position, at the same time pushing back the dose valve hammer (31) until it just protrudes through port (32). The opening time of the dose valve depends on the stiffness of and compression or extension of springs (26) and (52), the mass of the moving parts and the exposed surfaces subjected to the gas pressures. Adjustment of these factors can provide for adjustment of the amount of the time the valve remains open.

Once the outer seal (60) of the piston head (28) passes transfer ports (62) the transfer ports are exposed to the driving gases at a reduced, but still elevated, pressure. The pressure of these gases opens ring valve (64) and the gases flow into the bore (51). These gases push against the reset piston (50), pushing it rearward, compressing the spring (52). As the reset piston moves to the rear the connected dose valve hammer moves in a rearward direction to open an exhaust opening (68) from the piston chamber through port (32) and exhaust passage (34) through port (32) and exhaust passage (34).

Once the reset piston has returned sufficiently far to the rear it is engaged by the tang (58) of the trigger.

Further expansion of the gases in the bore (51) forces gas through a barrel vent (65) from the outer bore (51) to the piston chamber in front of the piston (28). This gas pushes the piston head to the rear of the piston chamber, expelling excess gases behind the piston head through the exhaust opening (34).

FIG. 3 shows the reset piston and dose valve hammer in the cocked position ready for firing. The released position of the hammer and reset piston, where the hammer holds the dose valve open, is shown in broken lines. The connecting member 55 is also shown in broken lines as it is hidden from view. The dose valve is shown in the open position, displaced away from seat (25). A resilient seal and buffer (70) is provided at the forward end of the gun. This buffer absorbs any impact of the piston into the end of the piston chamber, and seals against the driver blade (29) so that the residual gas pressure can push the piston back to the rear end of the piston chamber before dissipating.

If the nail gun fails to reset properly, for example due to inadequate gas pressure against the reset piston, the system can be recocked by pulling back the dose valve hammer. This has the effect of also pulling back the reset piston until it is locked by the tang. Preferably a cocking lever is provided on the rear of the housing. The cocking lever includes a pivot and a handle portion. The dose valve hammer is engaged by the lever midway between the pivot and the handle portion, providing the user additional leverage in recocking.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of two components of a tool incorporating a preferred form of the present invention. The particular tool illustrated is in relation to the nail gun but the illustration is only to exemplify how the conduit can be incorporated into the body of the tool.

In this tool, the operating mechanism is enclosed in a barrel. An inner surface (84) of the barrel encloses the mechanism. The barrel is formed from a first component (80) providing an axial space and a second component (82) providing an end closure to the axial space.

In the preferred form the first component is formed as an extrusion, for example of an aluminium based material. In the preferred form, the second component is an end cap. The end cap (82) includes a flange (86) for securing to the end of extrusion (80). A collar (88) projects from the fate of the end cap (82) to fit within the open end of the axial space of the extrusion (80).

The flange (86) includes holes (90) for fasteners to pass-through. Fasteners passing through the holes (90) can be secured in the ends of fastener channels (92) formed in the extrusion.

The extrusion (80) has heat dissipating fins (94) distributed around its perimeter.

Fastener channels (92) may each be provided as a pair of adjacent fins arranged with concave adjacent faces to provide a substantially cylindrical space for receiving a fastener, for example in the form of a screw.

The extrusion includes at least a pair of conduit portions (96). The conduit portions (96) are the longitudinally extending internal passages of hollow ribs (98) provided on the extrusion (80).

The end cap (82) includes a channel for passing the fluid from the forward end of one of the conduit portions (96) to the forward end of the other conduit portion (96).

The end cap may be constructed as a casting and the channel formed by subsequent machining steps. In the illustrated form, the channel is enclosed within the flange of the end cap, but could alternatively be formed on the face of the end cap and closed along the length of the channel by an end surface of the end face of the extrusion.

In the illustrated form, the channel includes channel openings (104), one of which will act as the channel entrance and the other as the channel exit. The channel openings (104) lead to a cross hole (106) which spans between the channel entrances. This may typically be formed as a hole through from the edge of the flange and plugged at its open end or ends. In FIG. 4, the reference (106) is applied to the plugged end of the cross hole.

Each opening (104) is surrounded by a seat (102) for receiving a seal, for example, in the form of O-ring (100). The seat (102) is in the form of a recess. Alternative seats and seals may be provided. For example, the seat may be a projecting lip for locating the O-ring (100), or the recessed seat may be provided on the end face of the extrusion (80) as well as or instead of on the face of the end cap (82).

When assembled, the conduit extends through a first conduit portion (96) through the channel of the end cap (82) and then back through the other conduit portion (96). Thus the conduit runs twice the length of the barrel and across the width of the end cap, all in intimate heat transfer relationship with the operating mechanism contained within the barrel.

FIG. 5 illustrates in greater detail a preferred feature of the conduit portions (96). According to this detail, each of the conduit portions (96) includes one or more projecting fins (114) extending from the inward surface. These fins (114) enlarge the contact area for the fluid passing through the conduit portion. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface area for contact with the fluid passing through the conduit is substantially increased compared to a path of similar diameter but circular cross section and the cross sectional area (112) is Substantially reduced compared to a path of similar diameter but circular cross section. As an indication, the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is in the order of 30. The similar ratio in relation to a conduit of circular cross section is approximately 12.5, and of square cross section is, approximately 16.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vaporisation system for use in a motion transfer device, the vaporisation system including:

a conduit configured to connect to a regulator for a high pressure fluid source, wherein the distal end of the conduit connects to an operating mechanism of the motion transfer device, characterised in that the conduit is positioned such that a substantial length of the conduit is encased by the motion transfer device approximate to the operating mechanism.

Reference to a vaporisation system should be understood to refer to any way by which fluid is converted from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase.

Reference to a motion transfer device should be understood to mean any device whereby the movement of at least part of the device is transferred to another object in order to perform a particular operation. It is envisaged that the motion transfer device may be in the form of a pneumatic tool. In particular, the motion transfer device may be a nail gun.

It should be understood that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the present invention may be implemented in any situation where it is desirable to convert a pressurised fluid from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase. For example, the motion transfer device may be a hammer drill, jackhammer, grinder, paintball gun or any other device known to be driven pneumatically.

Reference to fluid throughout the specification should be understood to mean any flowing substance which may be converted from a liquid to a gas. Preferably the fluid is carbon dioxide, which is inexpensive and non-flammable. Further, it may be stored in the liquid phase at an attainable pressure—allowing for a greater amount of mass to be stored within a limited space. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and the fluid could be any other fluid with properties suited to the particular application.

Reference to a high pressure source should be understood to mean any way in which pressurised fluid is stored. For example, it is envisaged that the high pressure source is a canister configured to store the pressurised fluid at a pressure in the order of 750 psi. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and the pressure at which the fluid is stored may vary according to the application or ambient temperature of the high pressure source.

Reference to a regulator should be understood to mean any device known to one skilled in the art for controllably altering the flow of fluid through the device, particularly with regard to the pressure created by the flow of fluid. In particular, the regulator produces a differential pressure between the high pressure source and the conduit. It is envisaged that the pressure created on the conduit side of the regulator will be in the order of substantially 450 psi.

At 450 psi, carbon dioxide vaporises at approximately −5° C., whereas at 600 psi it vaporises at 6° C.

Table 1 illustrates the transition point at which carbon dioxide vaporises in degrees Celsius for a range of operating pressures.

TABLE 1 Transition points for carbon dioxide between liquid and gaseous phases Pressure (psi) Temperature (° C.)  305 −17  360 −12  421  −6  490  −1  567    4  653   10  748   15  853   21  986   26 1069   31

The selection of the operating pressure in the conduit assists vaporisation of the fluid, even at lower operating temperatures.

This change in pressure causes the fluid to at least partially vaporise. However, at least a portion of the fluid will either not have been vaporised or will condense back into the liquid phase if no further action is taken.

The regulator sets conditions that are suitable for vaporisation at the ambient temperature. But vaporisation requires heat input equal to the latent heat of vaporisation. In the absence of sufficient heat input to the fluid, the vaporising fluid draws heat from the liquid. Accordingly the temperature of the liquid drops as more fluid vaporises until the liquid temperature reaches the transition temperature for the fluid at the lower pressure.

If the heating isn't sufficient to vaporise all of the liquid at the mass flow rate at which the tool is operating, liquid will remain at the transition temperature on the low pressure side of the regulator and may reach the operating mechanism with the tool inverted.

By locating the vaporisation system along the body of the tool in close thermal communication with the working mechanism and the ambient environment, and, providing sufficient length of conduit, more heat is available to vaporise the liquid. The mass flow rate is a result of the firing rate of the tool. The firing rate of the tool directly influences the amount of heat generated in the working mechanism. As the mass flow rate increases so does the heat available to vaporise the fluid. The tool is therefore improved for use at higher mass flow rates without requiring an additional active heat source.

Reference to a conduit should be understood to mean any passage by which fluid may be conveyed to the operating mechanism of the motion transfer device.

In a preferred embodiment, the conduit is fabricated from thermally conductive material. It is envisaged that the body or casing of the motion transfer device will also be formed of a similar material. This provides efficient transfer of heat from the motion transfer device to the fluid in the conduit. The material may be aluminium, which has good heat conductive, strength and weight properties for application to the present invention. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and the conduit may be made of any material known to one skilled in the art to be useful for the conduction of heat.

Effectively, the conduit containing the fluid acts as a heat sink for the motion transfer device—transferring heat from the surrounding environment and heat generated during operation of the motion transfer to the fluid contained within the conduit.

This heating facilitates vaporisation of the fluid within the conduit before being supplied to the operating mechanism of the motion transfer device.

The casing of motion transfer devices such as nail guns, drills or jackhammers are generally the thickest surrounding the operating mechanism in order to provide strength, and dampen vibration and noise.

For example, the operating mechanism of a nail gun includes a piston head and driver blade which is driven at high speed by the pressurised gas to impact a nail and drive it into an intended target. By necessity, the operation has significant kinetic energy, which is partially dissipated in the body of the nail gun in the form of heat and vibration.

Positioning the conduit such that its length is substantially encased by or integrated into the motion transfer device adjacent to the operating mechanism exposes the conduit to the largest natural heat sources of the motion transfer device.

Typically the operating mechanism is contained within a barrel.

The barrel may include an extrusion of heat conductive material, and the conduit include at least a first and second conduit portion, each extending the length of the extrusion.

An end cap of the barrel may have a channel joining the first conduit, portion and the second conduit portion.

At least one of the conduit portions may have an internal cross section where the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is greater than 16.

For at least part of the length of the conduit adjacent the mechanism, the conduit has an internal cross section where the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is greater than 16. The ratio of the square of the perimeter may be greater than 18.

The high pressure gas source may be near one end of the operating mechanism, and the conduit may pass along the operating mechanism to the other end and back.

It is envisaged that the ratio of the length of the conduit at this point in comparison with the remainder of the vaporisation system will be in the order of 6:1.

Preferably the portion of the conduit adjacent the operating mechanism is longer than the operating mechanism.

In general the length of conduit adjacent the operating mechanism may be at least twice the length of the piston chamber.

In doing so, the need for additional sources of heat for supply to the fluid within the conduit is eliminated—greatly reducing costs and increasing the safety factor of the device.

The conduit may be integrated into the body of the gun, as a series of channels or passages in the body. Integrating the conduit into the body of the gun may also reduce material and assembly costs.

Further, positioning the substantial length of the conduit in this locality negates discomfort to the user caused by cooling the motion transfer device at gripping points. Previous systems utilising additional heat sources have formed the conduit as a coil within the handle of the device. This cools the handle to a point of discomfort to the user. By locating the conduit away from these points of connection to the user, user comfort is improved.

Heating the fluid within the conduit reduces the cooling effect of the fluid as it enters the operating mechanism. Where the cooling effect is high, the operating mechanism may freeze and malfunction, or at least perform below an optimal level.

This effect becomes evident after a number of repetitions in rapid succession, each repetition contributing to lowering the temperature by an accumulated level. By heating and improving vaporisation of the fluid a greater number of repetitions of the operating cycle may be achieved before this cooling effect becomes prominent.

The combination of an integrated regulator and vaporisation within the conduit enables the motion transfer device to be used without an external regulator. This reduces the overall size of the motion transfer device, increasing it's usability over systems implementing an external regulator.

Further, this serves to protect the regulator from impact damage. An external or remote, regulator is more exposed and prone to impact damage or catching on objects. This necessitates a more robust design, which is expensive. The present invention alleviates this cost.

Where external regulators are used, there is the possibility of the pressure being increased or decreased away from the desired level. By ensuring a consistent pressure is applied to the motion transfer device, the system may be designed to operate optimally at a set pressure without sacrificing performance to compensate for large tolerances in pressure levels.

It also simplifies the exchange of high pressure fluid sources. In known portable pressure sources, the inclusion of an external regulator and hose for connection to a tool adds additional steps to the replenishing of the source. The hose and regulator must be disconnected from the tool as well as the storage vessel—increasing the complexity of the process.

The present invention offers a number of advantages over the prior art:

-   -   Complete vaporisation of the fluid within the conduit leads to         an efficient transfer of energy from the fluid to the operating         system of the motion transfer device. This reduces         inefficiencies created when liquid is introduced to the         operating mechanism. This also allows the most efficient amount         of fluid to be used per operating cycle.     -   Encasing the substantial length of the conduit with the motion         transfer device approximate to the operating mechanism makes use         of ambient heating, without requiring external heat sources for         vaporisation of the fluid. It also reduces user discomfort due         to cooling of the device at the handle(s) of the device.     -   Complete vaporisation of the fluid in the conduit in most         conditions of use means that the pressure source may be rigidly         attached to the motion transfer device while still allowing the         device to be used in any orientation, without relying solely on         the regulation of pressure to ensure vaporisation of the fluid.         This increases the usability of the motion transfer device.     -   More complete vaporisation of the fluid reduces the freezing         effect of these fluids on the operating mechanism of the motion         transfer device. This allows the device to achieve a greater         number of repetitions without negative impact on performance or         causing damage to the device.     -   Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of         example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and         additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope         thereof. 

1. A gas powered device including a vaporisation system comprising: a conduit connected at one end, or configured to connect at one end, to a regulator for a high pressure fluid source, and wherein the other end of the conduit supplies an operating mechanism of the device, the operating mechanism comprising a piston slidable in a piston chamber; wherein the path of the conduit is such that a substantial length of the conduit is adjacent the operating mechanism and the portion of the conduit adjacent the operating mechanism is longer than the operating mechanism.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein gas supplied through the conduit drives motion of the piston in the piston chamber.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the high pressure source comprises a portable container in which pressurised fluid is stored.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the high pressure source is a canister configured to store the pressurised fluid above 600 PSI.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the regulator produces a differential pressure between the high pressure source and the conduit, and the regulator controls the pressure on the conduit side to be below 600 PSI.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conduit is fabricated from thermally conductive material.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conduit is in intimate heat transfer relationship with the operating mechanism and surrounding environment.
 9. The device as claimed claim 1 wherein the conduit is contained within a body of the transfer device and the body is formed of a thermally conductive material.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the body of the device is thickest surrounding the operating mechanism.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conduit is substantially encased by or integrated into a body of, or both, the motion transfer device adjacent to the operating mechanism.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion of the conduit adjacent the operating mechanism loops back along the operating mechanism.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the length of conduit adjacent the operating mechanism is at least twice the length of the piston chamber.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operating mechanism is contained within a barrel.
 15. The device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the barrel includes an extrusion of heat conductive material, and the conduit includes at least a first and second conduit portion, each extending the length of the extrusion.
 16. The device as claimed in claim 15 including an end cap for the barrel with a channel in the end cap joining the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion.
 17. The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of the conduit portions has an internal cross section where the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is greater than
 16. 18. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein for at least part of the length of the conduit adjacent the mechanism, the conduit has an internal cross section where the ratio of the square of the perimeter to the area is greater than
 16. 19. The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the ratio of the square of the perimeter is greater than
 18. 20. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the high pressure gas source is near one end of the operating mechanism, and the conduit passes along the operating mechanism to the other end and back.
 21. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the looped path of the conduit does not cross back through an area of the operating mechanism more than once. 